Some unbutton their shirts to display their gold medallions, while some buy sports cars that should come with a chiropractor, but Brian Carter has eschewed those gaudy mid life crisis trappings in favour of an Oriental persona.
Trained by Suziki San, in Auckland, Carter San has introduced Japanese cuisine to his friends and neighbours at Taupo Bay, who by his account rave about his epicurean feasts.
Not known for his modesty or doing things by half, Brian presents his guests with sushi, miso soup and green tea kitted out in full Japanese chef regalia, complete with flashing knives, when preparing his sashimi morsels, confessing that he missed the lesson where his tutor explained that the Japanese emphasis on presentation applies more to the food and less to his own "glamorous" (but original and authentic) clothing.
He gets A for effort when it comes to setting the scene and impressing his guests, however.
He claimed last week that his friends at Taupo Bay (who were both out when the Age called) were hailing his sushi as the best ever made. There might be some truth in that, given that he's been invited to instruct, demonstrate for and coach members of the Kerikeri Cooking Club in the art he has mastered.
"Sushi has been around in the cafe, takeaway and restaurant cuisine for some time; it tastes nice and is very healthy and low in fat. But home cooks hesitate to make it because it's perceived as difficult, so my classes will focus on the Kiwi give-it-a-go psyche with me giving a talk and demonstrating and then everyone getting into rolling their own sushi there and then," he said.
"I will hover and help them get it right. Suddenly it will become easy. And tasting will be compulsory.
"The Japanese believe food should satisfy all the senses," he added.
"The freshest ingredients are healthy and combined in ways that delight the eyes as well as the taste buds.
"Sushi combines seasonal seafood or chicken, rice and a selection from a wide variety of vegetables.
"Once you can make your own basic sushi at home with my step-by-step instructions you will be able to extend your repertoire using your creative talents and different ingredients to serve up on special occasions and to knock the socks off family and friends.
"It is much easier than you think."
Everyone will be welcome at the Kerikeri Cooking Club lessons on Monday and Tuesday next week.
Phone Alex on (021) 230-2566 or email info@kerikericookingclub.co.nz for more information.